People of the Bible
Who Was Silas in the Bible?
Silas was a trusted leader in the early church and Paul's companion, who sang hymns in a prison at midnight and shared in the spread of the Gospel.
Silas was a respected member of the Jerusalem church, chosen to carry its decisions to the wider fellowship, and a prophet who strengthened the believers. He became Paul's partner after Paul and Barnabas parted ways.
In Philippi, Paul and Silas were beaten and jailed for the Gospel, yet at midnight they prayed and sang praises to God while the other prisoners listened. An earthquake shook the prison, and the jailer and his household came to faith that night.
Key verses
“And at midnight Paul and Silas prayed, and sang praises unto God: and the prisoners heard them.”Acts 16:25, King James Version
“And they spake unto him the word of the Lord, and to all that were in his house.”Acts 16:32, King James Version
A key moment
Bleeding and chained in the inner prison at midnight, Paul and Silas fill the darkness with hymns, and God answers with an earthquake and a saved jailer.
What we learn
We learn that joy in God does not depend on our circumstances, and that worship in suffering can become a doorway through which others find salvation.
How Silas points to Jesus
Silas's midnight songs show a heart anchored in Christ, who Himself sang a hymn before going to the cross. His faithfulness in chains points to the Saviour whose Gospel cannot be imprisoned and whose joy holds firm through any night.
Common questions
Where is Silas in the Bible?
Acts chapters 15 to 18, and mentioned in Paul's letters.
What can we learn from Silas?
We learn that joy in God does not depend on our circumstances, and that worship in suffering can become a doorway through which others find salvation.
The same God who met Silas is near to you today. Step inside The Living Bread to read the Scriptures, pray, and walk with the family of God.